Electric bidding in the room and on the telephones for Andy Warhols Men in Her Life, 1962, which sold for an outstanding $63,362,500. World records broken for Felix Gonzalez Torres Untitled (Portrait of Marcel Brient), 1992, sold for $4,562,500; Cindy Sherman Untitled #153 sold for $2,770,500 and spirited bidding for two other world records for Rudolf Stingel Untitled sold for $2,658,500 and Thomas Schütte Grosse Geist No. 16 sold for $4,114,500. The first of the new Carte Blanche auctions masterminded by Philippe Ségalot was a triumph for Phillips de Pury & Company and continues its tradition as an innovator in the art market.

It was a real pleasure to work closely with Philippe Ségalot who with the début of Carte Blanche has created a milestone for a new type of auction. Im thrilled with what is the most successful auction in the history of the company and our greatest night ever. The new building, besides being ideally located in midtown Manhattan, has shown to be a great exhibition space coupled with a state-of-the-art sale room. Simon de Pury, Chairman of Philips de Pury & Company.

Curating the first Carte Blanche sale was a true challenge and I enjoyed the experience from start to finish. I am thankful to Phillips for the opportunity and wish my successor bonne chance. Philippe Ségalot.

Carte Blanche Overview  the sale totaled $117,055,000, selling 95.49% by value and 90.90% by lot with 7 world records.

Contemporary Art Part I Overview  the sale totaled $19,973,000, selling 69.54% by value and 84.61% by lot with 2 world records.